Photographing Handwriting & Drawings
Photography Tips for Fingerprints and Signatures
If you’re submitting a photo of a fingerprint or handwritten note, follow these photography tips to ensure the best possible outcome:
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Lighting is Key: Place the paper next to a window during the day for bright, natural light. Avoid using overhead lights, as they often cast shadows that can interfere with clarity.
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Keep it Still: Use a tripod or prop your phone/camera on a sturdy surface like a tall cup or a stack of books. Steady hands are essential—blurry pictures won’t produce clear engravings.
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Zoom and Check: After taking the photo, zoom in and inspect it. Ensure everything you want engraved is sharp and in focus. Blurriness or shadows can make it hard to distinguish the fine details, which may result in a less-than-perfect engraving.
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Avoid Shadows: Shadows obscure the details that the engraving process relies on. If your only light source is overhead, try to reposition yourself or the paper to avoid casting a shadow from your phone onto the paper.